Internal review

We'll look again at the information you gave us, which we based our decision on, to see if we missed anything or made a mistake which means the outcome should be different.

We may call you if we have any questions or need more information.

The outcome of the internal review

We'll write to tell you whether the decision has been overturned or upheld. We aim to write to you within 2 weeks of receiving your request for a review.

Decision is overturned

You'll be asked to sign some forms to put the new arrangement in place. The review process stops here.

Decision is upheld

If we believe we made the right decision in the first place, we'll send a report to the Benefits Review Committee asking it to take a fresh look at your case.

Benefits Review Committee hearing

The Benefits Review Committee is made up of 2 people from the Ministry of Social Development who weren't involved in the decision being reviewed, and 1 other person appointed by the Minister for Social Development.

The Committee will contact you to set a date for a hearing, so it can look at your case and make a decision on what happens next.

The hearing is an informal meeting which takes about 40 minutes. We encourage you to attend so you can answer any questions or provide more information.

You can bring a support person, advocate or lawyer with you. Or you can send a lawyer in your place.

Benefits Review Committee report

You'll get a report from the Committee letting you know what the final outcome is. This will be sent to you about 10 working days after the hearing.

If the Committee agrees with you and the decision needs to be overturned, the service centre you've been dealing with will put things right.

What if you still disagree?

If you disagree with the Benefits Review Committee decision, you can appeal to the Social Security Appeal Authority. The authority is made up of people who work for the Ministry of Justice.

The report you receive from the Benefits Review Committee will tell you how to lodge an appeal, or you can call 04 462 6660.

You can withdraw your application for review at any time. To do this you need to contact the Benefits Review Committee Co-ordinator as soon as possible. You can find their phone number on the letter we sent you about the hearing, or you can call us on 0800 559 009 and we can put you in touch with the Work and Income unit or person that was dealing with the matter.